About
One of the ocean's most unique creatures that is rare to spot is the seahorse. While you could take your chances trying to find this creature snorkeling see them first-hand at Ocean Rider Inc.!
Founded in 1998 as a family-run business, this renowned seahorse aqua farm has made significant strides in seahorse conservation.
This marked the beginning of a sustainable approach to seahorse cultivation, with the farm now breeding over 25 species. Visitors can see these species up close on the farm's tours, gaining insight into the fascinating world of seahorses.
The farm's operations focus on research and development, aiming to breed all 34 known seahorse species. This effort is part of a larger goal to save seahorses from extinction and protect the oceans they inhabit. Ocean Rider encourages sustainable choices, like opting for farm-raised fish over wild-caught, to help preserve marine life.
The farm is committed to organic, sustainable farming practices. It uses a closed system to avoid discharging seawater into the ocean. The facility operates with a high flow of filtered ocean water, ensuring a pristine environment for raising seahorses and other aquatic life. It also maintains a strict biosecurity program to keep its farm pathogen-free.
Additionally, the farm uses high-quality organic feeds and maintains low-density living conditions to ensure the seahorses' health and well-being. And its proximity to restaurants makes adding a meal at places like Kiri Thai simple.
To view and hold one of these fantastic sea creatures on your Kona getaway, add Ocean Rider Inc. to your to-do list!
Ocean Rider Inc.: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The farm offers educational tours that are informative and interactive, led by professional biologists with a deep understanding of marine life. Visitors get a unique opportunity to feed and even hold seahorses, making the experience memorable and engaging, especially for children.
In its commitment to environmental stewardship, Ocean Rider operates the world's only 100% sustainable marine aquarium. This innovative approach showcases over half of the world's 36 seahorse species, underlining the farm's dedication to sustainable practices in marine life preservation.
A cool feature is that it is near many other area attractions and landmarks. This makes visiting multiple destinations easy to plan. For instance, after a morning splashing at Kihola Bay or Magic Sands Beach Park, book a seahorse tour for the afternoon. The possibilities are endless!
Another fascinating aspect of Ocean Rider is its unique seahorse breeding program, the world's first and only of its kind dedicated to preserving endangered seahorses. The farm's living gene bank is critical in the fight against seahorse extinction, offering a safe haven for breeding and research.
The farm features an interactive tide pool and fish feeding station for younger visitors, providing an engaging and educational experience. This hands-on approach to learning about marine life is both fun and informative. Additionally, the farm hosts a seahorse-themed gift shop, with proceeds supporting its conservation efforts.
Getting There
Here's a step-by-step directions to Ocean Rider Inc. from Kailua-Kona:
- From Kailua-Kona, head north towards the Kona International Airport.
- Turn left onto Kahilhili Street; follow signs to the Ocean Technology Park. This turn is just before the airport.
- Turn right onto Makako Bay Drive and then left onto Ilikai Place.
- Address: 73-4388 Ilikai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Local Tips
- Reservations are required to visit the farm, so book your tour ahead to secure a spot.
- Be aware of biosecurity measures; if you have toured another aquaculture facility, like an octopus farm, earlier that day, you're not allowed on the tours at the Seahorse Farm.
- Children must be at least 5 years old to hold a seahorse, but younger children can enjoy fish feeding and tide pools.
- The farm is open Monday through Friday, with 10 AM, 12, and 2 PM tours.
